Barbaro ~ America's Horse

[R_D_Lite]

[QUOTE=Boston Chicken;2136735]
I’m not offended by the “cult” remarks. I think this thread is made up mostly of optimists - not “at whatever the cost” fanatics. I have no doubt the people charged with being Barbaro’s advocates have his best interests in mind. I trust his doctors and his owners. I also trust Michael Matz to help guide the owners to the best decision for the horse should it come to that.[/QUOTE]

Absolutely, BC. Many of us on this thread have been in the situation of having to look at our own horses and assess their circumstances anew each day–and make a decision about continuing or not each day. It;s a tough thing to do, and I think everyone on this thread understands that things can change quickly–but in the meantime, why not send support and good wishes to Barbaro and his human caretakers? I for one can’t say that I even have an “opinion” per se about Barbaro–but I’m a huge fan, I certainly hope for the best, and I’m happy to check up on him each day and see how he’s doing.

It’s also great to see how many other people are following his story. My own father is not horsey at all, but he is a sports journalist, and whenever we talk we trade Barbaro information. I also suspect there are many others reading this board who, like me, do not post or post very infrequently but are nonetheless checking this thread each and every day.

[captain]

cult… heeheehee… it’s the first group thang of ANY kind i actually would LIKE to belong to : )

spot on, Eggbutt.

[VirginiaBred]

Saturday Morning ~

Update 1318: It appears a quiet night for media reports on Barbaro last night (a good thing).
Thanks, Tim/Alex.

[chism]

If this is a cult, pass the kool-aid.

Boston Chicken - Thanks for the great post. Virginia Bred - Thanks for making keeping track of Barbaro’s progress easily accessible for us. My take on this…the Jacksons are giving back to Barbaro what he’s given to them, heart, commitment and loyalty. In the racing industry, that’s not always the case. We’re all rooting for you Bobby.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
No update yet for Barbaro, but I know he has a few visitors scheduled, so I will endevour to get an update at some point today.

[Ginger]

Seeing Barbaro’s Derby win again brought tears. As Durkin said, what a sublime performance. How can you give up on a horse like that? Thanks so much, VB, off to light candles and to ask my pony to send good karma to his brother Bobby.

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex:
Update 1320: A couple of very good articles that explain the issues Barbaro faced this week.
Uncertainty a tough foe for Barbaro’s caregivers, excerpt:

“The medial [inside] side of his hoof was always healing poorly,” Richardson said. "Scott and I discussed at the time when we put the cast on whether we were going to have to remove that medial wall sooner or later. We were hoping it was going to be later. But as soon as he started bearing weight in a more normal alignment, it just sheared off. It was something that was almost certainly going to happen anyway at some point.
“The only thing that was disappointing was how uncomfortable it made him. We hoped it wouldn’t, but it definitely made it more uncomfortable.”

Barbaro well despite setback, excerpt:

“The cast was put on in hopes of preventing this from happening and to help realign the pedal bone (the bone under the hoof wall),” he said, adding that Barbaro most likely will get another cast soon on the afflicted foot.

One thing that seems very apparent, but worth reiterating, Barbaro has the smartest minds focusing on his condition!

[Home_Again_Farm]

Still lurking and jingling for Bobby in FL!!!

[VirginiaBred]

What that previous post tells me is that medial hoof wall was going to come off, one way or another. That is reassuring to me, that is was going to come off, whether Barbaro’s movement took it off, or Dr. Richardson took it off.

[eggbutt]

@VirginiaBred;2138293

What that previous post tells me is that medial hoof wall was going to come off, one way or another. That is reassuring to me, that is was going to come off, whether Barbaro’s movement took it off, or Dr. Richardson took it off.

I totally agree and this information is a bit more reassuring to me as well. This particular situation is a “been there done that” experience for me so I feel a bit better about it. Our great horse that battled laminitis for years had a very similar experience and grew very healthy horn after the first sloughoff. I do understand the road is still a very long one for B and he’s in the best possible place for him for treatment. Now, if he can begin to grow healthy good hoof wall going forward.

Thanks as always VB!

[511]

HAve you noticed that these setbacks come right after they announce Barbaro may be going home? I think Bobby just doesn’t want to leave.

[eggbutt]

@5;2138584

HAve you noticed that these setbacks come right after they announce Barbaro may be going home? I think Bobby just doesn’t want to leave.

Interesting observation!

[VirginiaBred]

More Hoof Wall Removed

Update 1322: New Bolton just released the following: Barbaro undergoes planned procedure.
As previously planned, Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was placed under general anesthesia this morning to fully examine his left hind foot. “While his condition was unchanged over the last two days, we were unable to fully assess his left hind foot with him in his stall,” said
Dr. Dean W. Richardson, Chief of Surgery. “In today’s procedure, another area of undermined hoof wall was removed. The left hind deep digital flexor tendon was cut to help decrease the pull on the coffin bone by that tendon. This was previously done in July, but the tendon had healed and was pulling on the coffin bone, contributing to the malalignment of the coffin bone.
Because he has been more uncomfortable on his left hind, we put a cast back on the right hind lower limb for additional support.”
Dr. Richardson reports that “Barbaro was awoken from anesthesia once more in the recovery-pool and had an uneventful recovery. He continues to receive intensive management for his discomfort on the left hind foot.”
Barbaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit of Penn’s George D. Widener Hospital at New Bolton Center.
The next update will be posted on Tuesday, January 16, unless there is a significant change in Barbaro’s condition.

[VirginiaBred]

Saturday night vigil for Barbaro, 7:00pm.

Please say a prayer, have a moment, light a candle and jingle for Barbaro.

[Spoilsport]

Thank you, VB (& Alex & NBC), for the updates.

I happened to be at UPenn small animal hospital today to pick up some meds for my cat, and they were selling Barbaro bracelets, so I bought some. For those who haven’t seen them, they’re the colors of the Lael Stables’ silks, and they have Barbaro’s name with “You’re a Winner” on one side and “Live the Moment” on the other. They came with a little flyer that says, among other things:

The wristbands are to be worn as reminder of all that Barbaro has represented – his courage, his triumph, his charm, and most of all his heart.

And this:

Mrs. Jackson was doing an interview. . .During the interview she made a comment to “live the moment. It’s the greatest way in the world to live - because you truly live.”

I just love Barbaro’s people!!

[cyberbay]

%, I thought the exact same thing. He just loving the TLC life at New Bolton…

[cyberbay]

Sorry! that % is supposed to read 5, but i can’t get it to correct!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1323: Peter Brette just called (4:45pm). He reported that Michael Matz had just visited Barbaro. Barbaro was laying down during the visit, tired from his busy day. He appeared comfortable. Michael plans to visit tomorrow morning before he returns to Florida. I hope to get another update from Peter in the morning.

[SAS]

I haven’t posted for a while but diligently keep up with all of VB’s great posts about Barbaro. And this has sure been the week to try to keep up with things. I continue to think lots of good thoughts for Barbaro and just lit a few more candles for him. Thanks again for all the current news on our boy!!!

[VirginiaBred]

Thanks, Alex~
Update 1324: I spoke to Kathy Anderson, who visited Barbaro late this afternoon, after Michael Matz. She also noted that Barbaro was laying down and appeared tired after his procedure today. Kathy did also note that he was eating well when she visited. There was also a bag of Lael grass waiting for him outside his stall. Its been a long day for Barbaro.
Keep rooting for him.